from Manitoba
Q – Hey Mike E: Welcome to the 50th anniversary season of Your Miami Dolphins !!!
I love the way the FO went about their business this off season, adding the NDominant One , DE-Tooling the WR position , and the Nuggetts of LB they found as UDFA..
My question is regarding WR.. Kenny Stills has been quiet, and I believe hamstrung in PS.. I have read reports of Matthews passing him in the pecking order.. do you see him being a strong contributor this season, or a small time player ??
Tanx.
I’d be surprised if Kenny Stills isn’t a big part of our offense, at least as far as being on the field a lot. I don’t think in our offense we need to rely on any one player, but Stills should be starting, and getting opportunities. I believe that he and Greg Jennings, and Jarvis Landry will be on the field a lot in 3 and 4 WR sets. It will be a while before Devante Parker hits his stride here and is ready to steal a lot of reps from anyone, and depending on how Jennings and Stills play, Parker may never seriously eat into either of their reps if they’re both playing well.
There is no rush to get Parker on the field, unless the offense, particularly Jennings and/or Stills just aren’t getting it done, and like you mentioned, I think the veteran Rishard Matthews would get more reps early if that happened. The one thing Matthews has in his back pocket, is the fact that QB Ryan Tannehill likes him. That means a lot, and will definitely keep him him on the roster as long as he remains in Tannehill’s favor.
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from Stanger
Q – Toughest Q I can think of — Which WR on this team gets the most fantasy points this year?
That’s the combination of most yards and TDs (standard league — six points per TD and one point for every 10 yards).
stanger
I’d have to say that it will be Jarvis Landry. I think he’s going to see a lot of touches as he always seems to find a way to get open, and he’s a very sure handed receiver. I also think he’s the one constant in the lineup, whereas the other guys will be in and out, specifically if/when Parker is healthy and ready to go, he may sub in occasionally for both Stills and Jennings.
If Parker wasn’t injured and had a full training camp, my answer may have been different, but I expect another big year from Landry. He and Tanny have a good chemistry, and Landry is a sure handed 3rd down target who always fights for extra yards, and will convert those 3rd downs to first down. I think there’s an outside chance that Jennings does it, maybe he has more in the tank than most people think. He’s a savvy vet who’s always been a precise route runner and has always possessed great hands, so he’d be my second choice.
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from GDP
Q -Hey Axe Mike,
What rookies do you see making an immediate impact, playing the most, and why, including those on Special Teams & the UDFA’s.
Thanks,
GetterDone Phins!
I’ll go in order of which players I see making the most impact. If it’s true, that Jamil Douglas will be the starting RG, that certainly puts him in a good position to make an impact. It remains to be seen as to whether he stays there, and earns his playing time, but for now, he appears to have a leg up on 2nd year man Billy Turner.
It’s funny, if you had asked me this question right after the draft, my answer would have been Jay Ajayi, or Devante Parker. Both have missed substantial practice time, and for a rookie, that’s a bad thing. Both of those players have a chance, more Likely Parker than Ajayi at the moment, because Ajayi has to get healthy and make the roster.
After the surprise hammer fell on Brandon Fields, Matt Dar is also in place to make a big impact. If he can be as good as Fields used to be for the Miami Dolphins, not the Fields of last year, he can be big for our team, and help us win the “Fields” position battle.
On defense, Jordan Phillips will be in the D-line rotation, although he’s behind 2 pretty damn good players, Ndamukong Suh, and Earl Mitchell, so his reps will have to be well earned. Zach Vigil is another guy who I think may make an impact. If Chris McCain doesn’t start balling, I think it’s possible that Kelvin Sheppard starts at MLB, with Misi sliding back into the SLB position. Vigil will be backing up at both MLB and SLB, and if he continues to show well, I think Vigil is a guy we may see on the field a lot, both on ST’s and at LB.
Some of the rookies I hope make the team are CB Tony Lippett and S Cedric Thompson. I think good ol’ Bobby McCain will be on the roster, but Ced and Tony are more on the bubble. I think Lippett could be a real impact player if he really takes to learning his craft as a CB, and may really help us next year.
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from Tim
Q – Who’s your break out player on offense and defense and why?
Also what’s your favorite shoe?
Thanks you!
I think Dion Sims can have a real good season. I expect him to be on the field a lot this year, but I’m not sure if he’ll really have a lot more than the 24 catches he had last season. He may make his impact in-line blocking as a TE, and helping our RB’s get some clear running lanes. Another I think may have a bigger season than some expect is Greg Jennings. He’s a solid vet, and I know most think he’s past his prime, but if needed, I think he can make a nice contribution to our team, although I’m not sure if you would consider it a “breakout” season or not, maybe breaking out of a retirement home, or something like that.
On defense, I’d love to see Jamar Taylor finally break out. Hopefully he can shrug off the injuries, and get down to playing some good CB for us, and finally show us what he’s capable of. That INT against the Falcons was played perfectly, and I hope to see more of those in the regular season.
As far as shoes goes, in my “Saturday Night Fever” days, no Brooklyn guy who went clubbing (dancing) didn’t have a nice pair of Capezios. Those days are over though, and I prefer a good pair of Sperry Topsiders, or an equivalent shoe like that.
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from Pigsgerald Oinkustus Bacon
Q – After 3 preseason games what do you think is the biggest weakness on the
Dolphins?
– Pigsgerald
I’d say, as it will be be for many NFL teams, the depth after our starters. Our 2nd and 3rd team players, and especially the guys who will not make the 53 man roster have struggled big time.
But . . .
When we go up against the better defenses, like our division rival Bills and Jets, I do fear how our O-line will fare. We’ve played 2 weak defenses so far, but when we play a team a serious front 7, and Albert isn’t either at 100%, or even in the lineup, and we have Fox or Thomas at LT, and then Thomas at LG (with Fox at LT), maybe Pouncey isn’t 100%, and then rookie Jamil Douglas at RG, and solid 2nd year man Ju’Wuan James at RT, it could get ugly . . . FAST! We haven’t seen the O-line struggle, or even falter really, but i that’s partly due to the level of defensive opponents we’ve faced. If we played STL, or ARZ, or HOU or BUF or NYJ, I think we would have seen more weaknesses on the O-line.
For now though, to answer your question more accurately, I’d say the depth in the secondary has been pretty awful.
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from Wyo
Q – I don’t think CJ Mosely makes the 53 and we go young ( Seems to be the theme ).
What are your thoughts on the DT Spots?
Suh
Mitchell
Phillips
?
??
I’m not sure Wyo. I think there’s a pretty good chance Mosley sticks. I think Mosley makes it over AJ Francis and Deandre Coleman. I think it comes down to how many DT’s we carry. Suh and Mitchell are the starters, with Anthony Johnson and Jordan Phillips as 2nd team. If we carry 4, Mosley is gone, but if we carry 5, I think Mosley is in. I think Anthony Johnson has too much talent to let him go.
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from O Rob
Q – Mike, what are the chances Josh Freeman unseats Matt Moore?
I don’t see that happening Rob. I thought when we first signed Freeman there was a decent chance that it could happen, but watching Freeman in the Preseason games, he’s been pretty awful. Not that Matt Moore has been stellar, but you know what Matt Moore gives you as a Dolphins QB, whereas Freeman doesn’t know the offense as well, and still looks shaky back there. Freeman has completed less that 40% of his passes, though both QB’s have only 1 TD against 2 INT’s.
My best guess Rob is that we go with the known quantity, which is Moore. If Freeman made a little noise in the Preseason, and actually outplayed Moore, I would say he had a shot, but that just hasn’t happened. Freeman may have one more shot, but I think it’s going to be Moore.
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And now for the babe of the week . . .
Finsmob Unleashed 
We have 3 RBs on the roster (miller, lamike and Williams)
I think that is enough
But if we end up needing one
There is always this guy named Seastrunk
😉
LOL … you man-crush guys crack me up.
MF13 is over on the other blog still pimpin David Amerson.
Lmso
Other blog…?
I agree Rock… creative roster management via the “IR/will return” mechanism … he was not going to see the field for a month at least anyway; this way they get back a roster spot which they can proactively manage while shielding Ajayi from poachers.
Thompson signed to the PS
As a floor I see us going 9-7 and hoping the Wild Card tiebreakers go our way.
The only floor we are getting near is the Super Bowl floor!
🙂
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!
might only be 4 actual games he misses?
Lyndon trail would be a pretty good pick up if its true
Kortnei brown from Texans also seemed to be pretty decent player and had the passion for the game philbin likes. Charles James II same deal. Seems like a solid CB prospects with all kinda heart.
I would have thought
If they are picking up any players now
It’s likely to be a TE
I’m thinking maybe another OL
Or RB
naplesfan2010 says:
Stanger that lion is just a rancher. He’s raising livestock to slaughtering size. Baboo-veal is a delicacy.
——————
LOL — you and Pig are harsh. I figured it was the maternal instinct kicking in. Would’ve been different if she didn’t protect the baby from others and let the other baboons save (so no veal for her).
I think the adult baboon and the lioness have a side deal going
Practice squad filling up nicely
Herd
I think your new QB is going to be pretty good!!!!!!!!
I owe wy a beer
Still have space for 2 more on PS
I’m hoping Anthony Johnson is one of them
Agreed
Great holiday weekend here in NE Wisconsin. 90 degrees and Dolphins on local TV here next week.
Sounds like you are as excited as Costanza watching a sponge bath.
The female one….not the male one….lol
Broncs cut Montee Ball.
Another sign you should get your RBs plentiful and late……weren’t the Broncos the ones who came up with that?
Another Badger back that is unimpressive at the next level. SMH. Melvin Gordon next?
Purdue/Marshall is a good game. Herd must be nervous.
I am! lol
Every time I watch them play I think of you. Amazing thing about this blog community.
The Flying Pig says:
September 6, 2015 at 3:13 pm
So hungover…
so, the hotel manager got you huh?
He at least chose the same spot as he did.
Might be he played the “watch out for that guy……..how you doing tonight btw” play.
Afternoon all: Bundled up under a blanket fighting a bitch of a cold.. Like to see Gillisllee added to PSquad..
Fantasy League now has 7 teams signed up, like to bring it up to 10.. IDP League, Live draft 20:00 PM EST Wednesday 09/09 email me at drp667@hotmail.com and can send an invite to get you in.. Thanks to the people who have already signed up
Stoked for the season .. 1 week away… WOOHOO Go Phins…
This game is KILLING me!!!!!
a nail biter … go Marshall
OL Eric Lefeld
S Chris Hackett
OL Mike Golic Jr
TE Joseph Fauria
Wish list ? Or new adds ?
OT Laurence Gibson
Cuts that might need looking in too!
Gotcha. fauria is intrigueing
Premature comentation!
Hope the appeal is long and intensive.
—————————————-
Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran and Mike Giardi agree that you can see the toll the Deflategate drama has taken on the Patriots quarterback.
“He started out with one tenor. He wanted to seemingly make sure he kept his composure,” said Curran. “But as it wore on you could see the amount he has on him still and the arduous nature of the entire process.”
It must be hard on a man to perform a script of safely memorized lies.
How much easier it would be on the man to just tell the truth. No late night worrying, no exhausting rehearsals with the legal team, no mumbling excuses to Gisele about what “else” was on that destroyed phone, no anxiety about how he will perform with NFL-size balls for a change …
Lmao. Well stated.
Lies hold you back Naples.
Why my approach has always been never do so.
Not always telling the truth…..now that’s a different thing.
Least you don’t get caught in it down the road.
I am surprised that Christion Jones is not on our PS.
I believe he was put on the cut / injured list
yes he was but that shouldn’t keep him off a PS should it? You might be onto something though if they think it is a season impacting injury. They could always bring him in later when he is all healed up.
HERDFAN: NOW YOU KNOW how I felt during the final moments of the FAU-Tulsa game yesterday!! – – Good luck to your TEAM!! – – And may the officials NOT steal it from Marshall!
What I saw from Aikens was another Jones type player – a guy with range who can cover ground or come up and mix it up against the run or blitz. I like our starting safeties and level of depth with Thomas. Not sold on Kovacs in coverage but STs he’s likely a core guy. Something the team put a big premium on improving/changing this year. We replaced our P and K to start that up and some other STs jobs changed.
TD Marshall! What a good game! Happy for Herd! Can they hold on?
There you go Herd!!!!!!!!
Nice drive Marshall
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
INT return for The Herd!
WOW. 17 tackles and 2 pick 6s
Not a bad day huh? 🙂
One NFL writer thinks that “Brady’s about to embark on the greatest revenge tour of all time.”
I doubt it. He seems haggard to me.
and i don’t think the team has gotten any positive energy out of this at … all. Some Pats fans are casting this as “Us against the world ” motivation, but really it is just Brady against his own lies. What can he say in team meetings or the huddle to use this? “OK guys let’s play hard for my legacy.”?????
Awesome!!!! Go Herd! Thanks for all the FU support!
JUST TERRIFIC,HERDFAN!! – – Great win for Marshall and a great win for the conference! –C-USA teams went, I believe, 8-4 over the weekend!! I understand there’s an inclination for football fans to focus only on the Power 5 conferences. But the next tier of conferences also produce many outstanding players and several solid programs, such as Boise State, UCF and Marshall.
AS EXPECTED, The Dolpins have put Jay Ajayi on the injured/designated to return list and signed Former Cardinals’ QB Logan to the squad, this per the Sun-Sentinel. Ajayi would be able to return, I believe after the 6th game of the season.
Make that quarterback LOGAN THOMAS has been signed by the Dolphins.
Is it six weeks, or six games.. I can never remember…
He won’t be able to return until week 9.
Really? How does that work?
That’s right, Brian, but week 9 will be Miami’s 8th game, so Ajayi COULD play in 9 regular season games if he’s able to. –And, according to the SS, he’ll be eligible to return to PRACTICE in week #6, which is when his broken rib should be healed or very close to fully healed.. LOGAN THOMAS, ex-Virginia Tech QB is 6 foot 6 inches and 250 pounds. His height (but not his weight) kind of reminds me of another Va. Tech QB who quarterbacked the Dolphins, the one and only DON STROCK!! –STROCK made the relief appearance of a lifetime in the momentous San Diego at Miami playoff game, a game that will live forever in the hearts of Charger and Dolphin fans.
I don’t know why we keep wasting time on MBT. Lots better PS QV candidates
Dolphins now have 4 QB’s under contract. including taxi-squader Bethel-Thompson. It’s safe to say that 4 will become a 3 within the first half of the regular season.
Why?
Try,
All short-term IR candidates are eligible to return week 9. The short-term IR thing is relatively new.
I did not know that.. Thanks!
Try Pod says:
September 6, 2015 at 7:15 pm
Is it six weeks, or six games.. I can never remember…
42 calendar games from the date of his injury.
42 days until he can practice that is. 8 weeks until he can play. They are right above ^^ because of the bye that would be game 9
The designation has to be made after teams cut to the final 53 though, so it will always be week nine at the earliest.
Nightly Update
DOLPHINS-REDSKINS
Old 27-10 MIA
Piggy 38-3 MIA
TryPod 38-10MIA
MikeE 30-6 MIA
Herd 31-10 MIA
Ken 27-13 MIA
ALinMIA31-13MIA
Cav 30-13 MIA
Howie 24-19 MIA
CCNV 31-3 MIA
GDP 34-12 MIA
BrianNY37-13MIA
Boulder24-17MIA
Wyo 28-9 MIA
Stang 21-17 MIA
GO PHINS!!!
24-16 MIA
ocalahowie says:
September 6, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Afternoon Update
DOLPHINS-REDSKINS
Old 27-10 MIA
Piggy 38-3 MIA
TryPod 38-10MIA
MikeE 30-6 MIA
Herd 31-10 MIA
Ken 27-13 MIA
ALinMIA31-13MIA
Cav 30-13 MIA
Howie 24-19 MIA
CCNV 31-3 MIA
GDP 34-12 MIA
BrianNY37-13MIA
Boulder24-17MIA
Wyo 28-9 MIA
Stang 21-17 MIA
Rockphin 24-16 MIA
GO PHINS!!!
Howie 35-13 Fins
I think 4 should become 3 right now so we can get some better quality player on PS in place of one that has looked pathetic.
good video of hickey breaking down the roster and thomas move
http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/videos/Hickey-Reviews-2015-Dolphins-Roster/007ef79c-f0d2-4265-981c-c29b0ad86199
Logan Thomas could be quite a weapon as a TE, he’s a great athlete.
Think of Jim Jensen, but more of an athlete, like maybe former OSU QB Terrelle Pryor of the Browns, that’s now playing WR.
Is he willing (to do things other than qb)?
It’s just rumors right now.
Thomas completed one of the nine passes he threw in two appearances with the Cardinals last season and made it count as the throw went for an 81-yard touchdown.
I bought the Belgariad by Eddings today. The first three novels in one binding. It’s been years (dare I say decades) since I read them. I hope I enjoy them as much as I remember enjoying them.
I hope you enjoy. My memory of reading then the second time was that it was enjoyable, though I think they seemed a little soft in comparison to other things I had subsequently read in the interim.
That is my biggest concern about re-reading it. I recall it being a light read and after grinding through Jordan, Martin, Et al I afraid it will be like the old “choose our path to adventure” novels. LOL
If he wants to play in the NFL he better be willing. Theres only so many QB spots to go around and if he didnt get drafted to be a 1st year starter then he might never get a shot.
Take what you can get while you are here and make it work.
GO PHINS!!!
Wow, Matt Castle didn’ t make the team up in Buff. The went with E.J. & Tyrod only.
so the eagles cut tebow but sign Stephen Morris. i like tebow as a person. he seems like a really good person. and i hope him all the best and maybe one day making an nfl team. but if morris is signed ahead of you i think that shows you how bad tebow is.
Rockphin says:
September 6, 2015 at 9:54 pm
Wow, Matt Castle didn’ t make the team up in Buff. The went with E.J. & Tyrod only.
rock, some on. of course. have you seen matt’s toes. rexy only wants the long dark toes.